Oyo impounds six vehicles in crackdown on illegal parking

Oyo State authorities have conducted a joint enforcement operation to clear illegal parking and transport activities around St. Mary's Cathedral in Ibadan, resulting in the impoundment of six vehicles. The operation, a collaboration between the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, the Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force, aimed to address persistent disruptions near the religious site.

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During the exercise, enforcement officers successfully cleared the area of unauthorised transport activities and restored order within the Cathedral’s vicinity. A total of six vehicles were impounded for various traffic and environmental violations, comprising four commercial buses and two Micra taxis.

According to a statement by Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade, the action was prompted by a formal petition detailing how commercial transport operators repeatedly occupied the cathedral's frontage. These activities allegedly obstructed access for worshippers, caused traffic congestion, disrupted services, and created security concerns.

During the exercise, four commercial buses and two Micra taxis were impounded for various traffic and environmental violations. The operation encountered some resistance from transport operators attempting to obstruct the exercise, briefly creating tension. However, security personnel professionally restored calm and order.

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However, security personnel acted promptly and professionally to restore calm and maintain law and order. The operation was concluded successfully without any major incident.

Hon. Justice Aderonke A. Aderemi (retd.), Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, condemned the operators' disregard for the law and public order. She emphasized that places of worship deserve respect and should not be converted into unauthorized motor parks. Justice Aderemi vowed that the enforcement action would be sustained until full compliance is achieved across the state, commending the inter-agency cooperation that ensured the operation's success.

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The Authority will not stand by while a few individuals hold the public to ransom and undermine the sanctity of our places of worship. The frontage of St. Mary’s Cathedral is not a motor park. This enforcement action is not a one-off exercise, it will be sustained until full compliance is achieved across the State.